2025 Business Awards of Distinction Gala

Business of the Year (1 to 25 Employees)

• Be at least 51% Alberta owned and operated;
• Have 25 or fewer full-time equivalent employees;
• Be profitable in each of the last three years.

This award recognizes a business that exemplifies outstanding business practices and achievements, demonstrates leadership, growth, and vision, contributes to the economic growth of the region, and plays a positive role in the community.

To be a valid entry, your business must demonstrate excellence in one or more of the following areas:

• exceptional customer service, healthy workplace environment, growth in business, and perseverance through challenges.

Business of the Year (26+ Employees)

• Be at least 51% Alberta owned and operated;
• Have 26 or more full-time equivalent employees;
• Be profitable in each of the last three years.

This award recognizes a business that exemplifies outstanding business practices and achievements, demonstrates leadership, growth and vision, contributes to the economic growth of the region, and plays a positive role in the community.

To be a valid entry, your business must demonstrate excellence in one or more of the following areas:

• exceptional customer service, healthy workplace environment, growth in business, and perseverance through challenges.

This award recognizes a business/organization that embraces diversity – meaning that the demographic of the organization reflects the demographics of our community. They intentionally create an inclusive workplace – by providing equitable opportunities for growth and involvement of all its people and customers. Creatively promotes a sense of belonging - by valuing its people and customers for who they are.

This award recognizes a business/organization that has developed and
implemented successful marketing strategies within the past year which
have had a demonstrable impact on business outcomes.

This award recognizes an emerging business/organization that is showing success in business through growth, new product and/or sales, and is demonstrating a connection to the Greater Parkland region. The eligible business/organization has been operating for between one and three fiscal years.

This award recognizes a business/organization that embodies leadership excellence in customer service. Have positively impacted the business/organization. Demonstrates business leadership for the industry in which the business/organization is situated and developed strong relationships and community support.

This award recognizes an individual who has played a direct and primary role in the business planning, financial investment, and establishment of the business, and is currently operating it in a leadership capacity. Be operational for a minimum of 1 fiscal year. The nominee must be between the ages of 16-35 at the time of awarding.

The business must demonstrate financial viability and sound potential growth. Shows a high level of social, cultural and environmental awareness. Demonstrates a commitment to the wider community; engages in continuous learning or other improvement opportunities designed to advance the economic, social, and environmental prospects of the enterprise.

This award recognizes a business which has demonstrated significant international growth through a clear understanding of overseas markets, proving that borders are not a barrier to trade. Outstanding growth plans in the export market and exceptional diversification to reach foreign markets and capture valuable opportunities in the market.

The newly-created Gerry Levasseur Community Champion Award recognizes an individual who exemplifies the Spirit of Community through their actions and commitment to the betterment of our community.

Nominees should possess at least four of the following attributes:

• A business owner who invests in the Tri-Region;
• A mentor who gives their time and expertise to mentor entrepreneurs including youth;
• A visionary who leads new initiatives that create positive impacts on the community;
• A leader who builds connections across communities, fostering teamwork, and uniting people towards common goals;
• Actively participating in community life, understanding local issues, and working to improve the well-being of residents;
• Volunteers of their time on local community boards or committees;
• Philanthropist who believes in the importance of giving back to the community.